Tools, space and behaviour in the lower Palaeolithic: discoveries at Soucy in the Paris basin.

Tools, space and behaviour in the lower Palaeolithic: discoveries at Soucy in the Paris basin. We are privileged to publish this interim report on the discoveryof open settlement sites of the early Palaeolithic in the Paris basin As a modern administrative r��gion of France, it is known as the ?le de France As the territory at the political centre of the Kingdom of France, it is known as the ?le de France. As a hydrological basin, it is largely the basin of the River Seine. .The early occupation areas were defined beside the river Yonne at Soucyduring gravel-quarrying, which were to produce flint bifaces anddebitage The term debitage refers to the totality of waste material produced during lithic reduction and the production of chipped stone tools. This assemblage includes, but is not limited to, different kinds of lithic flakes, shatter, and production errors and rejects. and the bones of elephant, rhinoceros rhinoceros,massive hoofed mammal of Africa, India, and SE Asia, characterized by a snout with one or two horns. The rhinoceros family, along with the horse and tapir families, forms the order of odd-toed hoofed mammals. , horse and a wealth ofother mammals. The sites differed from each other, both in theirassemblages and in their location with respect to the old riverchannels. In the author's analysis this demonstrates signs ofsubsistence strategy and spatial organisation in the buried valleybetween 365 and345 000 years ago. Keywords: Lower Palaeolithic, Paris basin, MIS9, bifaces, largemammals Introduction The middle Pleistocene So far, the Pleistocene Series is not subdivided into formal units (i.e., Stages). Several solutions were proposed, and dedicated working groups are presently pursuing an agreed solution. sites at Soucy were discovered during theexploitation of a gravel quarry on the middle terrace of the Yonne river Yonne RiverRiver, north-central France. It flows north out of Nièvre département into the Seine River at Montereau-faut-Yonne. The Yonne is 182 mi (293 km) long and is navigable for 70 mi (113 km) downstream from Auxerre. valley, located approximately 120km south-east of Paris (Figure 1).Stratigraphic stra��tig��ra��phy?n.The study of rock strata, especially the distribution, deposition, and age of sedimentary rocks.strat , biochronological and radiometric data allow the sites tobe assigned to OIS Noun 1. OIS - agency that oversees the intelligence relationships of the Treasury's offices and bureaus and provides a link between the Intelligence Community and officials responsible for international economic policyOffice of Intelligence Support 9 (Oxygen Isotope Stage 9), that is 365-345 000 yearsago. Excavation in the fluvial flu��vi��al?adj.1. Of, relating to, or inhabiting a river or stream.2. Produced by the action of a river or stream.[Middle English, from Latin deposits has contacted ninearchaeological horizons featuring Acheulean industries in associationwith the remains of large mammals. Encountering several contemporaryAcheulean settlements in the same ancient river valley has allowed us tonote the diversity of their locations and assemblages and so addressquestions about the techno-economic management of tools, the functionsof sites and the organisation of communities. The Soucy quarry was opened in 1990, using a method of extractiondesigned to minimise environmental damage, and has been the regularsubject of archaeological interest since 1994. In that year,archaeological evaluation identified a Palaeolithic layer (Soucy 1),preserved in an alluvial stratigraphic sequence. After furtherstratigraphic sampling and survey of the different quarry faces, asecond settlement was discovered (Soucy 2). Archaeological supervisionof the quarrying resulted in the discovery of the Soucy 3 site in spring1995, Soucy 4 and 5 in early 1996, and finally, the Soucy 6 settlementin 1997 (Figures 1a and 1b). Of these six settlements, only Soucy 1, 3,5 and 6 were examined by extensive archaeological excavation (Figure 2).Less immediately threatened, the Soucy 2 and 4 settlements are preservedfor future research. [FIGURE 1A OMITTED] Although the area is still in the course of investigation andanalyses are still in progress, the contribution of the Soucy sites tothe understanding of the Lower Palaeolithic populations in north-westernEurope is already considerable and merits this interim report. Chronological, palaeotopographical and environmental contexts The alluvium al��lu��vi��um?n. pl. al��lu��vi��ums or al��lu��vi��aSediment deposited by flowing water, as in a riverbed, flood plain, or delta. Also called alluvion. which contains the sites lies 20m above the modernfluvial deposits of the Yonne valley (Figure 2A) and comprises two mainlayers. An upper fine sediment fills several channel systems within adeposit of flint pebbles (Figure 2A and B: 0-4) (Chausse 2003; Chausseet al. 2004). Samples collected for dating have provided mean ESR ESR - Eric S. Raymond andU-Th ages between 345 and 365 000 years ago (Voinchet 2002). These firstresults allow us to assign the deposition of the Soucy formation to theperiod of MIS 11, 10 or 9. The chronostratigraphic analysis of the upperhillside sequence allows us to favour a MIS 9 age for the upper finealluvial sediment Noun 1. alluvial sediment - clay or silt or gravel carried by rushing streams and deposited where the stream slows downalluvial deposit, alluvium, alluvion (Figure 2:4) and MIS 10 for the lower flint pebblelayer (Figure 2: 0) (Chausse 2003). [FIRUGE 1B OMITTED] The upper level of alluvial soil Noun 1. alluvial soil - a fine-grained fertile soil deposited by water flowing over flood plains or in river bedsalluvial deposit, alluvial sediment, alluvium, alluvion - clay or silt or gravel carried by rushing streams and deposited where the stream slows (Figure 2: 1-4) has yielded a richand varied assemblage of flint tools (see below) and various faunalassemblages. Large mammals are represented by Bos primigenius Noun 1. Bos primigenius - large recently extinct long-horned European wild ox; considered one of the ancestors of domestic cattleurus, aurochsBos, genus Bos - wild and domestic cattle; in some classifications placed in the subfamily Bovinae or tribe , Bisonsp., Cervus elaphus, Dama dama clactoniana, Megaloceros sp., Capreoluscapreolus Capreolus capreolussee roe deer. , Sus scrofa, Equus mosbachensis, Dicerorhinus mercki,Palaeoloxodon antiquus, Mammuthus trogontherii, Ursus arctos, Canislupus and Castor fiber (Bemilli 2004). Small mammals includeClethrionomys glaerolus, Arvicola terrestris cantiana, Microtusarvalis/Microtus agrestis, Microtus gregalis and Talpa europaea (Lhommeet al. 2000a). Molluscs are represented by forest taxa including AegopysKlemmi, Perforatella bidentata and Clausilla pumilla (Chausse et al.2000; Limondin-Lozouet 2001; Chausse et al. 2004). [FIGURE 2A OMITTED] The scale of the different geological and palaeontological Adj. 1. palaeontological - of or relating to paleontologypaleontological workcarried out on the Soucy gravel pit Noun 1. gravel pit - a quarry for gravelstone pit, quarry, pit - a surface excavation for extracting stone or slate; "a British term for `quarry' is `stone pit'" (Chausse et al. 2000; Lhomme et al.2000a; Chausse 2003; Lhomme et al. 2004) allows a modelling of part ofthe palaeo-valley where the Palaeolithic layers were found. It istherefore possible to place each settlement within its topographical andbiological environment. At least two meandering channels and one braided braid��ed?adj.1. a. Produced by or as if by braiding.b. Having braids.2. Decorated with braid.3. channel have been identified in the upper fine sediment. They describethe migration, from west to east, of an earlier course of the riverYonne (Chausse et al. 2000; Chausse 2003; Lhomme et al. 2004). The mostancient channel (channel A), about 120m wide, was located to the west(Figure 2). The Soucy 6 horizon was discovered within its convex sandybank. This occupation was contemporary with the dynamic flow of water inthe channel (Lhomme et al. 2003). Following this episode, on the formerright (east) bank of the channel A, a broad but shallow river bed (atleast 100m wide and 1m deep) was formed. Its multiple channel system wassubject to vigorous but intermittent currents. During a low water periodone of these channels was occupied (Soucy 5, level II). A second channelled flow (channel B) was later formed to the east(Figure 2). Its left (west) bank was traversed by narrow and shallowsecondary channels subject to a regular flow emanating from theprincipal 100m-wide river bed. They dissected the former 'multiplechannel' bed, forming gravel-sand hillocks, some of which supportedvegetation. Humans had occupied two of these hillocks: Soucy 5 (levelII) and Soucy 3 (level P). The progressive filling of the lateralchannels resulted in the levelling out of the alluvial plain Noun 1. alluvial plain - a flat resulting from repeated deposits of alluvial material by running wateralluvial flatflat - a level tract of land; "the salt flats of Utah" . The waterflow was then concentrated in the principal meandering arm of the river,resulting in the formation of a natural levee levee(lĕv`ē)[Fr.,=raised], embankment built along a river to prevent flooding by high water. Levees are the oldest and the most extensively used method of flood control. located on its left bank.The Soucy 1 occupation site was situated on the highest part of thelevee on the bank of channel B. Soucy 3 (level S) was located in aprimary position behind the levee in the floodplain floodplain,level land along the course of a river formed by the deposition of sediment during periodic floods. Floodplains contain such features as levees, backswamps, delta plains, and oxbow lakes. . During thefollowing phase channel B dried, leaving space for the formation of apedological horizon on its alluvial plain. This marks a period ofstability. No prehistoric occupation can be associated with this period,which is characterised by the halt in the alluvial deposit alluvial depositMaterial deposited by rivers. It consists of silt, sand, clay, and gravel, as well as much organic matter. Alluvial deposits are usually most extensive in the lower part of a river's course, forming floodplains and deltas, but they may form at any point process. Thelater renewal of this process resulted in the laying down of flooddeposits, spread over the floodplain, from a river that was not locatedwithin the limits of the gravel quarry. The latest occupationencountered, Soucy 5 (level 0) is associated with this fluvialsedimentation episode. There follow more detailed descriptions of thenine occupation levels and their assemblages, given in stratigraphicorder. The Soucy occupation levels Soucy 6 Soucy 6 represents the most ancient occupation in the sequence ofthe Soucy sites (Figure 1 and 2), 182 lithic lith��ic?1?adj.Consisting of or relating to stone or rock.Adj. 1. lithic - of or containing lithium2. lithic - relating to or composed of stone; "lithic sandstone" artefacts and 14 faunalremains, primarily fragments of long bones from large herbivores (Bovid bovidAny ruminant of the family Bovidae. Bovids have hollow, unbranched, permanently attached horns; they are grazing or browsing animals found in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, most often in grasslands, scrublands, or deserts. Most species live in large herds. and Rhinoceros), were retrieved from this archaeological level. For thelithic industry, the only chaine operatoire (sequence of manufacture anduse) represented is that of flake production by debitage, knapped fromcretaceous flint pebbles (Lhomme et al. 2003). The flint nodules wereexploited by hard-stone percussion, striking the nodule nodule:see concretion. noduleIn geology, a rounded mineral concretion that is distinct from, and may be separated from, the formation in which it occurs. and the piecesof debitage with violent blows positioned inwards from the strikingplatform, with open 'angles de chasse' (Clactonian sensu Boeda1997). The flakes obtained are thick and quite short, withcharacteristic triangular profiles. The tools consist of 11 denticulateand 7 notched flakes with 8 discontinuous discontinuous/dis��con��tin��u��ous/ (dis?kon-tin��u-us)1. interrupted; intermittent; marked by breaks.2. discrete; separate.3. lacking logical order or coherence. retouched flakes (Figure 3).The conjoining and refitting of several flakes show that at least someof the tools were made on site. [FIGURE 3 OMITTED] The poor conservation of the Soucy 6 deposits prevents any analysisof technical behaviour, either from a functional or spatial point ofview. The almost exclusive production of short, thick flakes byalternate flaking, the dominance of denticulate and notched tools andthe absence of 'true' scrapers, confer a certain crudeness onthis industry which, with the exception of Soucy 2, contrasts stronglywith most of the other industries found on the Soucy sites (Lhomme etal. 2003). Soucy 5--level II Level II of the Soucy 5 deposit results from an occupation of asandy bank situated in a multiple channel river bed. This archaeologicallevel, 80[m.sup.2] of which was excavated, constitutes a real occupationfloor covering about 50[m.sup.2]. It yielded 461 faunal remains and 1433lithic artefacts. The set of species represented are red deer Red Deer, city, CanadaRed Deer,city (1991 pop. 58,134), S central Alta., Canada, on the Red Deer River. It developed as a trade and service center for a region of dairying and mixed farming. (Cervuselaphus), with three individuals, horse (Equus sp.), roe deer (Capreoluscapreolus) and rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sp.). Although the long bonesare a little more frequent, the elements of the deer's skeletonrepresent an important part of its anatomical configuration. Thepresence of at least one male can be attested, and the age of anotherindividual can be estimated to be 4 years. Distinctive marks, includingfragment removal from one bone, indicate that it was used by humans(Bemilli 2004). [FIGURE 4 OMITTED] The flint exploited in this layer has a fine structure and thenodules show little evidence of alluviation. Discovered in heapedconcentrations, corresponding to the location of knapping stations, 80per cent of the lithic remains can be linked to the operational sequenceof biface production. Each knapping concentration results from thecomplete or partial shaping of a biface. The few elements that can beassociated with the working of debitage illustrate the implementation offlake production using the alternate or discoidal dis��coid? also dis��coi��daladj.1. Having a flat, circular form; disk-shaped.2. Related to or having a disk.3. Botany Having disk flowers only. Used of a composite flower head. method (Lhomme et al.2000a). The small number of tools found includes 3 scrapers, 2denticulate and 14 notched flakes, and 8 marginal or discontinuousretouched flakes (Figure 4). An abandoned roughout of a small bifacialpiece was also discovered. The immediate environment (a sandy river The Sandy River may refer to:Communities: Sandy River Plantation, Maine, a municipality Rivers: Sandy River (Maine) Sandy River (Oregon) Sandy River (South Carolina) Sandy River (Virginia), two different rivers See also bank during a low waterperiod), the small number of faunal remains and the nature of the lithicproduction activities imply a short-term occupation. The numericallyunequal representation of the two types of operational sequence(shaping/faconnage and debitage) and the absence of finalised bifacesindicate that the debitage provided tools for use on the site, whereasthe bifaces were produced for use elsewhere (Lhomme & Connet 2001). Soucy 5--level 1 The middle level of the Soucy 5 site results from the occupation ofa wooded bank of a channel or secondary branch of the palaeo-river. Anarea of more than 110[m.sup.2] of this level was excavated, in which2154 faunal remains and 1595 lithic artefacts (excluding very smallflakes) were found. The species represented were red deer (Cervuselaphus), megaceros (Megaloceros), rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus mercki),wild boar (Sus scrofa.), bear (Ursus arctos) and beaver (Castor fiber).Deer dominates the faunal assemblage Faunal Assemblage is the archaeological or paleontological term for a group of associated animal fossils found together in a given stratum.The principle of faunal succession is used in biostratigraphy to determine each biostratigraphic unit, or biozone. with 10 individuals, followed byhorse (3 individuals) and bovids (2 individuals). The other species areeach represented by one individual. Faunal analysis reveals the presenceof juveniles and young adults among the three principal species. The ageof the other animals is more varied. The data indicate that the site wascertainly (but not exclusively) occupied at the end of spring and thebeginning of summer. The phenomena of differential conservation beingvery limited, analysis of these remains excludes the presence ofcarnivores as the principal accumulating agent: presence of numerousepiphyses, scarcity of teeth marks, size of the long bone fractures. Onthe contrary, the origin of most of this assemblage can be attributed tohumans by the representation of skeletal parts, impact and cutting marks(Bemilli 2004). The Soucy 5 level I lithic industry used flint pebbles collected inthe vicinity of the site. The tools consist, for the most part, ofsimple scrapers produced from flakes and marginally or partiallyretouched flakes (Figure 5). We can also note the presence of notchedand denticulate flakes. The operational sequence of debitage, resultingin 42 flint blocks and 1390 untreated flakes, is largely dominant. Twoprincipal methods of production were used: an alternate platform method(Clactonian sensu Boeda 1997) and a discoidal method (Figure 5: 1). Therefitting of numerous flakes and cores (55 conjoined conjoined/con��joined/ (kon-joind��) joined together; united. conjoinedjoined together.conjoined monsterstwo deformed fetuses fused together. sets concerning 407pieces, representing 30.27 per cent of the assemblage, excluding verysmall elements) show that these two methods were employed in order toproduce elongated flakes from morphologically different cores (Lhomme etal. 2000a). A piece of sandstone block, 'squared' by anvil anvilIron block on which metal is placed for shaping, originally by hand with a hammer. The blacksmith's anvil is usually of wrought iron (sometimes of cast iron), with a smooth working surface of hardened steel. percussion, was also discovered. Biface utilisation can be attested bythe presence of certain fragments (in particular from an apex--Figure5:2 and 3), and about 20 flakes resulting from biracial bi��ra��cial?adj.1. Of, for, or consisting of members of two races.2. Having parents of two different races.bi��ra shaping (Lhomme& Connet 2001). A preliminary analysis of all the available data concerning thelevel I of Soucy 5 enables a rapid synthesis of the occupation of thesite: --the settlement was established on a wooded riverbank at thebeginning of summer, --most of the animals (deer, equidae, bovidae, megaceros) werebrought whole onto the site where they were processed and consumed, --with the exception of the bifaces, which were introduced alreadyprocessed, all of the flake production took place on site with over 40flint blocks being exploited. [FIGURE 5 OMITTED] Soucy 3--level P On the 700[m.sup.2] horizon of the main Soucy 3 level (P), over 20532 faunal and 6066 lithic remains (excluding very small flakes) werefound. Here humans had occupied the southeastern slope of a gravelhillock hillock/hill��ock/ (hil��ok) a small prominence or elevation. hill��ockn.A small protuberance or elevation, as from an organ, a tissue, or other structure. on the edge of a river in a deciduous deciduous/de��cid��u��ous/ (de-sid��u-us) falling off or shed at maturity, as the teeth of the first dentition. de��cid��u��ousadj.1. forest and grasslandenvironment. The principal Soucy 3 archaeological level does not seem tohave been subject to any major fluvial perturbation perturbation(pŭr'tərbā`shən), in astronomy and physics, small force or other influence that modifies the otherwise simple motion of some object. The term is also used for the effect produced by the perturbation, e.g. or deformation,since the horizontal distribution of lithics and bones is random (Figure6). However, the remains discovered under the principal deposit, at theeastern foot of the hillock, are disposed in bands. Traces ofoxidisation were found on the faunal remains and the flint artefactswere abraded. The comparison of the geomorphological ge��o��mor��phol��o��gy?n.The study of the evolution and configuration of landforms.geo��mor and topographicaldata indicate that this sector constituted a contemporary riverbankduring the prehistoric occupation (Chausse 2003; Lhomme et al. 2004). [FIGURE 6 OMITTED] [FIGURE 7 OMITTED] Twelve faunal taxa are represented in level P. By order ofimportance they are horse, with 26 individuals, bovids (Bos and Bison)with 19 animals, red deer with 18 individuals (Dama clactoniana etCervus elaphus), three megaceros (Megaloceros sp.), a roe deer(Capreolus capreolus), two rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus mercki), oneelephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus), a wild boar (Sus scrofa.), a bear(Ursus sp.) and one wolf (Canis lupus). The presence of the majority ofthe ungulates ungulates, ungulataanimals with hooves; cattle, sheep, goat, pig, horse and many wild and other domesticated species. , from the taphonomic and archaeozoological analysis of theassemblage, can be attributed to human activity. Representation of thevarious skeletal parts, the presence of numerous epiphyses and the sizeof long bone fractures enables us to dismiss carnivore carnivore(kär`nəvôr'), term commonly applied to any animal whose diet consists wholly or largely of animal matter. In animal systematics it refers to members of the mammalian order Carnivora (see Chordata). intervention as aprincipal accumulating agent. The same criteria associated with impactand cut marks testify, on the contrary, not only to human intervention,but also to a major human role in the accumulation of these faunalremains. It can be certified that, from the ages of a certain number ofindividuals of different species, the site was settled throughout theyear and probably during several years (Bemilli 2004; Lhomme et al.2004). It can also be pointed out that about 40 shed antlers fromCervidae (red and fallow deer fallow deera small, 150 lb, fawn deer with white spots and a white spot bordered with black on each buttock. Called also Dama dama. ) were found (Figure 7). It is probablethat their presence results from their collection by humans from thesurrounding environment (Bemilli 2004:185). The lithic industry is represented by 276 bifaces and bifacefragments, 887 flake tools, 4843 untreated flakes (excluding small andvery small flakes), 29 tested nodules and only 3 flint cores. Thescarcity of the cores can be explained by the particular techno-economicstructure of this lithic industry, where the chaine operatoireconcentrated on biface production. Several smaller bifaces were producedfrom nodules gathered from the local alluvial context, but the greatmajority of the bifaces were introduced on the site in the form ofsemi-finished or finished tools (this is the case for the tertiary flintbifaces). Biracial shaping on the site led to the extraction ofwell-sized and relatively straight flakes. Most of these flakes wereselected as blanks for the various flake tools that were made. Thesetools are represented by retouched flakes (29.5 per cent), various typesof scraper (24 per cent), including some convergent scrapers, notchedand denticulate flakes (3.9 and 6 per cent) and burins (1.8 per cent)(Lhomme et al. 2004). The bifaces, 276 pieces in all (23.7 per cent),can, for the most part, be integrated in the ovate morphotypes ovalaire,limande, amygdaloide and subcordiform defined by E Bordes (1961)(Figures 8 and 9). [FIGURE 8 OMITTED] Techno-morphological analysis highlighted two types of manufacture.The first corresponds to pieces whose morphology and potentialutilisation are completely conditioned by bifacial shaping (Figures 8and 9). They concern bifaces where two distinct zones are opposed, anupper zone (apical apical/ap��i��cal/ (ap��i-k'l) pertaining to an apex. a��pi��caladj.1. Relating to the apex of a pyramidal or pointed structure.2. , at the apex), which can be considered as the'active' part, made convex and acute (approximately 30 and 40[degrees]) by large, flat removals, and a thicker portion (base) oftenworked for gripping purposes. The second type of manufacture concernsbifaces on which a retouching phase, independent of shaping, defines themorphology of the apex and the sharpness of its edges. In the first casethe bifaces correspond to the definition of the 'biface-tool'and in the second case to various types of scraper (in particularconvergent scrapers) produced from bifacial supports. Use-wear analysiscarried out on a sample of biface-tools revealed characteristic marksrelated to butchery activities (research work in progress by S.Beyries). [FIGURE 9 OMITTED] Although the principal level of Soucy 3 is still the subject ofresearch, a synopsis of site occupation can be established from apreliminary synthesis of the available data. Throughout the year, humansregularly frequented a riverside gravel hillock of about 1500 [m.sup.2],situated in a forested environment. Animals (ungulates) were hunted andkilled nearby, cut up and consumed, at least partly, on the site usingvarious flint tools (bifacial pieces and flake tools) produced primarilyfrom bifaces introduced, shaped and finished on site. [FIGURE 10 OMITTED] Soucy 1 This prehistoric occupation lies on a gentle slope formed by alevee at the limit of the floodplain, in an environment of meadows andlight forest (see Lhomme et al. 2000b). The excavation, of 394[m.sup.2], yielded 2083 lithic remains (including 293 untreated flintpebbles) and 522 faunal remains belonging to aurochs aurochs:see cattle. aurochsor aurochExtinct wild ox (Bos primigenius) of Europe, the species from which cattle are probably descended. The aurochs survived in central Poland until 1627. It was black, stood 6 ft (1. (Bos primigenius),red deer (Cervus elaphus), rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus mercki), elephant(Palaeoloxodon antiquus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), horse (Equussp.), wild boar (Sus sp.), bear (Ursus sp.) and beaver (Castor fiber).Although the poor condition of these faunal remains limits itsinformative potential, human intervention on some of these animals isundeniable, in particular the aurochs (Bemilli 2004). The recorded data relating to relating torelate prep → concernantrelating torelate prep → bez��glich +gen, mit Bezug auf +accthe techno-economic organisation ofthe lithic production suggests the existence of a stock of raw materialson one part of the site (Lhomme et al. 1998; 2000b). The separateproduction of bifaces and flake tools is attested to by the differentialspatial distribution of the lithic remains (Lhomme et al. 2000b). Thetools produced from flint flakes are constituted of various types ofscraper and notched or retouched flakes. The bifaces are either ovalwith convex apex or small bifaces with concave ConcaveProperty that a curve is below a straight line connecting two end points. If the curve falls above the straight line, it is called convex. edges. Use-wear analysison the latter (Figure 10) showed characteristic traces on the upperthird of the implement, which can be interpreted as resulting from plantcutting using a short and precise movement (Lhomme et al. 1998). In spite of the poor conservation of the faunal remains, all of thestudies carried out show that the Soucy 1 deposit is the result ofseveral successive, short-spaced human occupations, linked to theprocessing of large herbivores (Lhomme et al. 2000b). [FIGURE 11 OMITTED] Soucy 3-level S, Soucy 4 and Soucy 5-level 0 These three deposits result from an occupation on the floodplain.The faunal remains correspond, primarily, to parts of the skeleton oftenin anatomical connection, representing a limited number of individuals.The configuration of these remains does not permit the identification ofthe agent responsible for their presence, or even a connection withhuman activity. However, some animals certainly appear to have beenexploited by humans. The lithic industries represented are almostentirely constituted of elements introduced as already finishedproducts. A more significant corpus was found in level S of Soucy 3,which is dominated by the biface chaine operatoire. Soucy 2 Discovered in a disused quarry face (Figure 1), only 2.5 [m.sup.2]of this layer has been excavated, and it could not be integrated intothe morphological history of the palaeo-valley. In spite of the smallsurface excavated, 156 lithics and 235 animal bones were discoveredwithin the archaeological level. According to according toprep.1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.2. In keeping with: according to instructions.3. J.-L. Guadelli (Lhomme etal. 1996) the species represented are, by order of importance, theaurochs (Bos primigenius), the horse (Equus mosbachensis) and the reddeer (Cervus elaphus). The lithic industry was knapped from flintpebbles. As in the Soucy 6 industry, the flakes are produced by thedebitage of the nodules using a method of removal that alternates thestriking platform and the debitage. The tools are primarily constitutedof denticulate and notched flakes (Figure 11). The biface technical system Each of the nine horizons contacted at Soucy has a differentassemblage which in turn implies a different sequence of manufacture anduse. Although this variety is partly explained by the presence ofdifferent stages of bifacial production, three types of functional sitecan be identified: -- Biface production sites, where each stage of lithic shaping isrepresented and only the bifaces themselves are absent. The abandonedtools are solely produced on site from debitage. -- Biface use sites, where there is no element to indicate anybiface production, but bifaces were introduced and, hypothetically,utilised on the site. In level 1 of Soucy 5, abandoned biface remainsappear to be no longer usable or transformable, and are associated withflake tools resulting, almost entirely, from debitage worked on thesite. -- Biface manufacture and use sites, where the production phase andthe bifaces themselves are represented. To different degrees, bifaceproduction is accompanied by flake production reserved exclusively tothe site. In the principal level of Soucy 3, more than 90 per cent offlake tools were produced from flakes resulting from bifaceshaping/faconnage, while the contrary is true for Soucy 1, where about90 per cent of the flake tools were produced from the working ofdebitage. In each of the archaeological levels the bifaces are associatedwith flake tools that, in general, derive from the working of debitage.In only one case, in level P of Soucy 3, flake tools result from makinga biface in situ In place. When something is "in situ," it is in its original location. . It therefore appears that biface production andutilisation on the Soucy Lower Palaeolithic sites are divided spatiallyand temporally whereas the manufacture of flake tools from whatevermaterial is systematically done on the user site, from materials whichare accessible from the surrounding environment. The existence of asegmented biface production/use cycle highlights the'mobility' of these tools. This long-term techno-economicmanagement implies an important strategic investment that contrasts withflake-tool production motivated by immediate needs (Lhomme & Connet2001). At Soucy we can therefore demonstrate the existence of a realbifacial technical system integrated into the spatial activities ofhuman groups. This system should reflect the subsistence strategies ofthese groups. At Soucy, the expression biracial technical system seemsto be a good definition of the Acheulean lithic production. Technical and spatial behaviour related to the different methods ofdebitage The study of the debitage highlights the coexistence of severalmanufacturing procedures revealed through the excellent conservation ofthe archaeological levels and the frequency of lithic refitting. Theseprocedures are relatively complex but can be divided into two generalmethods: -- using alternating platforms (Clactonian). Depending on thevolume of the core, this simple process can be extended to all of theexploitable surfaces. -- a discoidal method which consists, after the shaping of theblock, in the exploitation of two convergent oblique surfaces. [FIGURE 12 OMITTED] The method of alternating platforms is present within all of theSoucy settlements, producing flakes which are morphologically veryvaried. The discoidal method on the other hand, produces flakes with amore regular morphology. Both of these methods coexist in level 1 ofSoucy 5. But at this site the shaping of the discoidal cores took placewithin individual knapping stations. The differences observed in thespatial distribution and the displacement of artefacts produced by thesetwo debitage methods, can be explained from a technical point of view(Figure 12). The Clactonian method, not requiring any initial shaping,offers maximum productivity. By-products are absent, only the productsof knapping 'accidents' or mistakes can be considered to bewaste. With the discoidal method there is no immediate product from thenodule. The spatial distribution of the lithic remains shows that theinitial flint nodule was worked on a given part of the site and theresulting core and other debitage products are then moved elsewhere onthe same site. Therefore, in Soucy 5, a direct and close relationship appearsbetween the degree of technical investment required by each debitagemethod and the spatial configuration of their remains. Spatial analysisshows that the low technical investment inherent in the Clactonianmethod could signify that it meets only temporary needs that developwith the movement of the flint block on the site. The discoidal method,on the other hand, indicates a more continuous debitage developed at asingle point of the site, only certain flakes being displaced. In thefield of spatial distribution, the modes perceived within these twooperational methods illustrate differentiated technical behaviours whichimply an organisation of the space and activities within the occupiedarea. Social organisation The comparison between the various techno-typological compositionsof the industries, the data available concerning the configuration ofthe faunal remains, the physical nature of the sites themselves and thesurrounding environment, enables a first understanding about the modesof human occupation on these Lower Palaeolithic horizons. From theconfiguration of the various types of remains (faunal, lithic, untreatedtransported blocks) we can establish certain distinctions within thenine identified occupation sites. These distinctions, reflected by thespatial distribution of the various categories of artefact See artifact. , have acertain significance for the organisation and function of the sites. On the sandy banks occupation was brief and dedicated to conciseactivities: for example, biface shaping on the Soucy 5 site (level II)and the exclusive production and probable utilisation of notched flakesat Soucy 6. On the other hand, the occupation of gravel hillocksproduced an abundance of faunal remains, fragmented and specificallydiversified, associated with numerous lithic remains resulting from theproduction and utilisation of bifaces and flake tools. The principalactivities at these places seem to be linked, for the most part, to theacquisition and exploitation of animal resources. Various types of rawmaterial deposit were also present on these sites, material gatheredfrom the surrounding environment; at Soucy 1, blocks of flint, graniteand sandstone were collected (Lhomme et al. 2000b); at Soucy 3 (level P)more than 40 deer antlers were collected (Bemilli 2004); finally atSoucy 5 (level 1) a sandstone block was 'squared' bypercussion. On these sites, the quantity and configuration of theremains, faunal as much as lithic, indicate that they were frequentlyoccupied, and even, as for level P of Soucy 3, occupied throughout theyear. Sites on the floodplain set back further from the river (Soucy 3level S, Soucy 4 and Soucy 5 level 0) featured a very low density offaunal and lithic remains. The lithic remains indicate very shortsequences of manufacture and use, and the faunal remains, consisting ofisolated bones or parts of carcasses, show no signs of humanintervention. Conclusion The research undertaken on the Soucy sites offers the opportunityto locate Lower Palaeolithic occupation in the history of a buried rivervalley. The differences between the assemblages and distributions of thefaunal and lithic remains from one site to another, the methods ofacquisition and exploitation of the animal resources, and the completeor partial nature of the chaine operatoire of lithic productionunderline the close relationship between the site's functionalorganisation and its position in the valley topography. The data alreadyobtained from the different Soucy sites shows the potential complexityof subsistence strategies and technical behaviour of humans livingduring the middle phase of the Middle Pleistocene. References BEMILLI, C. 2004. Diversite des comportements de subsistance auPleistocene moyen. L'apport de l'etude diachronique des faunesdes gisements de Soucy (Yonne, France). These de Doctorat, UniversiteParis I. BOEDA, E. 1997. Technogenese de systhmes de production lithique auPaleolithique inferieur et moyen en Europe occidentale et auProche-Orient. Habilitation a diriger des recherches, Universite ParisX. BORDES, F. 1961. Typologie du Paleolithique ancien et moyen.Publication de l'Institute de Prehistorie de l'Universite deBordeaux, Memoire no 1. CHAUSSE, C. 2003. Les nappes alluviales de la basse vallee del'Yonne, approche geometrique et chronostratigraphique;l'apport de l'etude de la Nappe nappeIn geology, a large body or sheet of rock that has been moved by faulting or folding a distance of about 1 mi (1.5 km) or more from its original position. A nappe may be the hanging wall of a low-angle thrust fault (a fracture in the rocks of the Earth's crust caused de Soucy a la comprehensiondes occupations du Paleolithique inferieur de Soucy. These de Doctorat,Universite Lille I. CHAUSSE C., N. LIMONDIN-LOZOUET, S. OCCHIETTI, P. VOINCHET & C.BACON. 2000. La nappe alluviale de Soucy-les-Grandes-Pieces (Yonne,France); reconstitution pluridisciplinaire du fonctionnement d'uncours d'eau du Pleistocene moyen. Geographie Physique etQuaternaire 54: 187-208. CHAUSSE, C., P. VOINCHET, J.-J. BAHAIN, N. CONNET & V. LHOMME.2004. Middle and Upper Pleistocene evolution of the river Yonne valley(France). First results. Quaternaire 15: 53-64. LHOMME, V. & N. CONNET. 2001. Observations sur les piecesbifaciales et les chaines operatoires de faconnage dans les sitespleistocenes moyen de Soucy (Yonne), in D. Cliquet (ed.) Les industriesoutils bifaciaux du Paleolithique moyen d'Europe occidentale, Acresde la table-ronde internationale organisee d Caen--14 et 15 octobre1999. ERAUL 98: 43-50. LHOMME, V., N. CONNET, C. CHAUSSIE, E DAVID David, in the BibleDavid,d. c.970 B.C., king of ancient Israel (c.1010–970 B.C.), successor of Saul. The Book of First Samuel introduces him as the youngest of eight sons who is anointed king by Samuel to replace Saul, who had been deemed a failure. & J.-L. GUADELLI.1996. La graviere des Grandes Pieces et les sites paleolithiquesinferieurs de Soucy (Yonne); premiers resultats. Bulletin de la SocietePrehistorique Francaise 93/4: 482-93. LHOMME, V., C. BEMILLI, S. BEYRIES, M. CHRISTENSEN & N. CONNET.1998. Soucy 1 (Yonne): interpretations et reflexions sur un site duPleistocene moyen en contexte alluvial, in J.-P. Brugal, L. Meignen& M. Patou-Mathis (ed.) Economie prehistorique: les comportements desubsistance au Paleolithique, [XVIII.sup.emes] Rencontresinternationales d'Areheologie et d'Histoire d'Antibes,Sophia Antipolis, 1997: 259-71. Editions APDCA. LHOMME, V., C. BEMILLI, C. CHAUSSE, N. CONNET, T. VAN KOLFSCHOTEN& N. LIMONDIN-LOZOUET. 2000a. Le gisement paleolithique inferieur deSoucy 5 (Yonne). Revue archeologique de l'Est de la France 49:5-30. LHOMME, V., N. CONNET, C. BEMILLI, C. CHAUSSIE, S. BEYRIES & C.GUERIN. 2000b. Essai d'interpretation du site paleolithiqueinferieur de Soucy 1. Gallia Prehistoire 42: 1-44. LHOMME, V., N. CONNET & C. CHAUSSE. 2003. Le gisement de Soucy6 (Yonne) et son industrie lithique dans le contexte des industries aeclats du Paleolithique inferieur en Europe du Nord-Ouest. Bulletin dela Societe Prehistorique Francaise 100/2: 241-51. LHOMME, V., N. CONNET, C. CHAUSSE, C. BEMILLI, J.-J. BAHAIN &P. VOINCHET. 2004. Les sites et les industries lithiques duPaleolithique inferieur, moyen et superieur de la basse vallee del'Yonne dans leurs contextes chronostratigraphiques. Bilan de dixans d'activite archeologique pluridisciplinaire dans le sud-est duBassin parisien. Bulletin de la Societe Prehistorique Francaise 101/4:701-39. LIMONDIN-LOZOUET, N. 2001. Une malacofaune nouvelle du Pleistocenemoyen a Soucy (Yonne-France): biogeographie et paleoecologie. Geobios34/3: 303-13. VOINCHET, P. 2002. Datation par resonance paramagnetiquee1ectronique (RPE RPE Retinal Pigment EpitheliumRPE Rating of Perceived Exertion (exercise)RPE Respiratory Protective EquipmentRPE Regular Pulse ExcitationRPE Registered Professional EngineerRPE Rapid Palatal Expansion ) de quartz blanchis extraits de sediments fluviatilespleistocenes: contribution methodologique et application aux systemes dela Creuse, du Loir et de l'Yonne. These de Doctorat, MuseumNational d'Histoire Naturelle, Unite de Geochronologie. Vincent Lhomme, Institut National de Recherches ArcheologiquesPreventives & UMR UMR Unite Mixte de Recherche (French: Mixed Unit of Research )UMR University of Missouri - RollaUMR Upper Mississippi RiverUMR Uniform Methods and Rules (US Department of Agriculture)UMR Unit Manning Report 7041 ArScAn, Anthropologie des Techniques, desEspaces et des Territoires aux Plio-Pleistocene, Maison Rene Ginouves,21 allee de l'Universite, 92 023 Nanterre cedex, France (Email:vincent.lhomme@inrap.fr